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Manhattan’s La Grande Boucherie Chef Maxime Kien Reveals the ‘Simple Secret’ to a Great Dish
Chef Maxime Kien is the new Executive Chef of NYC’s The Group, responsible for La Grande Boucherie, Boucherie Union Square, Boucherie West Village, Petite Boucherie and more. And by the end of 2023, they’re launching even more restaurants.
But today’s conversation is about bringing the most flavor out of a plate’s ingredients
Chef Maxime Kien explains:
To me, the simpler the food on the plate, the harder it is to make. The food we see in some restaurants right now is over-complicated.
Too many ingredients, too much mixing of flavors and sauce and garnishes. [Instead,] try to stay true to what you’re trying to achieve.
Executive Chef Maxime Kien
Let’s say you’re doing a scallop. Cook the scallop properly, season it properly, don’t try to hide the flavor of the scallop with something which is gonna be overpowering and then you’re gonna be left eating something and not being able to recognize what you have in front of you.
Not looking at it and saying, ”What is that?”
Everybody thinks cooking fish is easy. No, it’s actually really technical because the second you over-cook it, the fish is worse.
The key is being able to take something nice, season it properly, cook it properly and make it the star of the dish, with something that is going to complement it.
A nice sauce is as simple as that. That’s what we are trying to achieve here, not try to be too complicated.
La Grande Boucherie is the number one booked restaurant in New York City. I think we’re in the top five in the USA as far as the volume that we do.
There are some items, like I will not put a tomato salad on the menu in December, even if we can find them. I want to make sure that I follow the seasons and follow nature. So tomatoes will come for summer.
In spring, you’re gonna have spring pie and try to stay true to the roots and try to stay true to seasonal things.
I wouldn’t put whole vegetable bread in the midst of summer because that’s something that you serve as food with venison in fall and winter. Mushroom season is mushroom season. Don’t try to do things ’out of season’ because the product is not gonna be the best. So if the product is not good, I don’t want to serve it. I’d rather not put something on the menu rather than put something on the menu that’s not gonna be to our standard. I don’t wanna do that.
Tell us about the next steps of NYC’s The Group launching several restaurants throughout the United States
The company [The Group NYC] started about 11 years ago with the vision of Emil Stefkov, the owner. He opened the first restaurant and the company grew pretty quickly after that.
The company almost quadrupled its size within a few years. Then because of Covid, everything was touch and go. But now we have a few projects coming up. We have Miami, Washington DC and Chicago. We’re gonna add another eight restaurants to the portfolio. We’re gonna double the size of the company within a short amount of time.
Well, there’s a lot of moving parts between developing the kitchen and having a look at the plans — we need to do this, this is where the pantry needs to be here. You know, and they’re talking about many developments and research and the staffing. There’s so many components. It’s not only like ‘We’re gonna open the restaurant.’ There is so much work behind that. You’re looking at the location. You have to think back to seasonal and local [ingredients and menu].
It’s all different food scenes. Even if you have core items from the menu, because they’re your identity, you have to look at every single location as an almost separate entity and be able to say, ‘This dish might not work over there, but it’s gonna work right here.’ So develop all of that and being thoughtful about everything.
Yum! Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Reveals Tasty New Flavors in Exclusive Interview for ExpoWest 2023
Say yes if you love coffee. Say yes again if you love cocktails. Say yes a third time if you love ‘em, but wanna be healthier and save some money.
If you said yes to *any* of the above, you’re going to want to listen, because we just had twenty minutes with the woman who makes all those things happen for you.
This week at ExpoWest 2023 Jordan’s Skinny Mixes has a lot to share!
Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Margaritas
Their Naturally Sweetened line of margarita mixes is made with real lime juice and sweetened with agave and contains 75 % less sugar and calories than other leading brands. The four margarita mixes flavors are Classic, Peach, Spicy, and Strawberry Key Lime, and they do not contain any artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors.
Jordan’s Skinny Mixes natural line of skinny syrups is available in 4 guilt-free flavors, including Vanilla Bean, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Dolce, and Chocolate Mocha
Their natural line of skinny syrups is available in 4 guilt-free flavors, including Vanilla Bean, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Dolce, and Chocolate Mocha, for your coffee, tea, protein shakes, baking, or just about anything.
Jordan’s Skinny Mixes was founded in 2009 by female entrepreneur Jordan Engelhardt. The beverage brand was created with the simple desire to enjoy a margarita that wasn’t loaded with sugar and empty calories. Now with over 100 products, this female-led team is on a mission to craft beverages that cut the sugar and keep the fun from coffee ‘til cocktails.
Skinny Mixes can now be found in over 13,000 specialty retail locations across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, including Target stores, Skinnymixes.com, and Amazon.
Jordan Engelhardt is an impressive person, so when I had the chance to meet up and have a conversation, it was an easy yes.
Just to give us some background, what were you up to before launching back in 2009?
Back in 2009 I was a recent college graduate working in real estate as an appraiser. I launched this product [Jordan’s Skinny Mixes] right when the recession was basically at its peak. It had just started and the market crashed pretty heavily in Florida where I was living at the time.
So I found myself without work, and this idea that I felt pretty strongly about.
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve navigated in the industry over those 10 years?
Oh, there’s been a lot. The world has evolved much more to natural products, which is why we’re here at Expo West as we just have launched our new natural line so this is pretty big for us.
Also, the customization of flavors over the years have just gotten more and more prevalent.
Millennials, and the population in general, really like the variety of flavors, and being able to customize everything. And then Covid really drove at-home consumption of coffee. So I think all of those trends over the last 10 years have really helped drive this company’s growth.
When Covid forced everyone to stay home, did that become a “lucky opportunity” for the business and boost at-home coffee drinking?
It was certainly fortunate in some ways, but in many other ways [not as much]. We were selling to many grocery accounts. We’re selling to a lot of specialty stores which had no choice but to close their doors. So we lost quite a bit of distribution during that time, but were able to make up for it online [with website e-commerce]. So [with market] penetration and trying to drive consumer growth, in that capacity, yes, it was fortunate. But it was also a little bit scary [for us], like many other businesses at the same time.
What is the biggest misconception in general about skinny mixes?
People don’t necessarily understand the versatility of our syrup and how you can not only use it for coffee, but you can use it for baking and protein shakes, and just anything.
Flavored syrups are great for iced teas. You can simply just add a dash to water and transform your water.
Once we got the samples this week, the amount of random things we’ve tried [the skinny mixes] with just to see how it’d go.
I love it! It’s part of the fun and part of the great relationship we have with our consumers. They
have so much fun experimenting and making these recipes, and then including us on that.
So [experimenting with the syrups on different foods] just became a benefit over the years. It’s certainly something we think about now.
We have this really amazing closed Facebook group that has really active members. It’s called “Skinny mixes. Share your recipe”. You can see the amount of creativity that our users come up with and then they share their recipes.
One person put it with sweet potatoes, they used it on egg sandwiches. Interesting wild things that you would never think about.
Can you share a little bit about the inspiration behind the line and how you develop the flavors?
Yes, of course. We have a great relationship with our consumers, and they asked for it. When they ask, we listen. We do a lot of innovation. We launch a lot of flavors.
So that’s where it came from and it’s really done. We’ve gotten into Target with this line. We take a lot of pride in listening to what our customers want, and this is what they wanted
What’s the development process like for these flavors?
We have several partnerships with different food labs and beverage labs. We start by verbally explaining to them what we’re looking for. We have a big panel at our company and we just do a lot of tasting. It often takes quite a bit of time because we take a lot of pride in making sure it tastes exactly what we were visualizing.
We can come up with anything from “Mermaid” to “Unicorn”. The different food labs across the country are amazing and they make it happen.
It’s a slow, methodical approach. Then we have a larger tasting panel and we keep going until we find just the right mix.
That’s incredible. What’s the timeline from concept to finished product?
It varies widely. It could take a couple of months or it could take over a year. Probably on average, about 4 to 6 months.
Do you ever try to create flavors and they don’t end up working out?
Oh, it happens all the time, especially in the beginning. We’re innovating constantly. Trends change fairly quickly. We’ve been fortunate with a robust website where we can test things quite easily and pivot.
Are there any teases as to what flavors might be next?
Well at the show we’re launching our naturally sweetened flavors. French vanilla, caramel, peppermint, mocha and pumpkin spice. Maybe some new seasonal offerings after that. We’re constantly innovating, constantly looking at new categories.
Switching over to coffee, what inspired you to launch coffee syrups?
12 years ago the company started with cocktail mixes. With the popularity of Starbucks and people going through the drive through and having what they thought was guilt-free drinks but was not necessarily guilt free.
They didn’t realize how many calories they are consuming with their Frappuccino or their latte.
It immediately seemed like another way to really help people not have such a sugar laden beverage every single day.
That’s why the coffee syrup was developed. Since cocktail mixes are so seasonal, coffee syrup is something that consumers consume daily. So it was a natural extension for the product line with the coffee syrup
You have some new coffee flavors launching as well
Listening to the trends and looking at the popularity of the most popular flavors just through our [tasting] panel. and you know, just having a great team that’s out and about, and looking at menus, and using some common sense, if you will, and reading up on trends, it’s then a 3 prong process.
You’re getting a lot of positive attention at ExpoWest. What in your opinion, makes for a successful trade show?
Taking the step to take the risk to be there and have your branding there; and be open to meeting consumers and buyers in the trade. We try to make it fun. So we serve cocktails, and we’re going to be serving espresso Martinis today. Yesterday we served Margaritas, and we had a speakeasy happy hour. It helps people really understand the brand, and come by and see us. I think that’s most important, really put your brand out there and your brand’s personality and just have fun with it.
Can you talk a little bit about the mission behind Jordan’s Skinny Mixes?
Our mission summarized is crafting beverages that cut the sugar and keep the fun for a healthier, more flavorful lifestyle and to make everyday moments simply sweeter.
What is your biggest call to action for the audience?
I’d love the consumers to experiment at home. I’d love for them to make their latte at home. Make that morning coffee at home. So many people will say it’s going to be a better experience.
Try our products. You’re going to save calories. You’re going to save time. You’re going to save money.
Check out Jordan’s Skinny Mixes latest and greatest recipes by following on Instagram –@skinnymixes, Facebook-@skinnymixes, TikTok –TikTok , and Pinterest –@skinnymixes
KLYR Rum Makes a Splash in Manhattan at their First Ever Bespoke NYC Tasting
On March 27 KLYR Rum hosted their first-ever Manhattan event at New York’s Cad & The Dandy Penthouse showroom to showcase their line of rums to a crowd of NYC’s mixology, nightlife and style scene.
The event was jam-packed.
The stylish crowd gathered to meet the founders, hear their story and of course, taste their canned cocktails. Just like a well-balanced cocktail, all three parts were mixed impressively.
KLYR Rum Makes a Splash in Manhattan
KLYR Rum Cocktails
Their cocktails are dangerously clean. They chose to make purity their guide and as a result they created a rum that ‘drinks like a vodka’ — the result is an excellent mixing partner for ice, soda, or a touch of fruit.
KLYR Water
The 99 calorie KLYR Water is made with natural flavors. Pretty classic tasting notes, with a very clean and crisp taste.
It’s a versatile cocktail that can be an easy-drink happy hour go-to or dressed-up for an elegant black-tie evening. Another good sign: 4.5% ABV.
KLYR Krush
Their KLYR Krush is a bit more. More flavor, more character, more fun. Its flavor is a gush of exotic sun-ripened oranges. Sweet, surprising, refreshing. Again: 4.5% ABV.
The Krush is an easy rooftop treat this spring and summer. It’s what I would pass around to my friends hanging out on our building’s rooftop after brunch on a Sunday Funday.
KLYR Rum Makes a Splash in Manhattan
KLYR Rum Team
Adam Lehrhaupt, Amish Patel, and Neil Kahrim started out as easy rum drinkers. Let’s be honest, most of us can relate as rum is easy to drink. But as they got deeper into appreciating the spirit, they started to tinker. With flavor, with health benefits, with mixers. They wanted a result that was purer.
To do that, they realized they had to produce their own.
A fun, but expensive hobby that has now been launched into a profitable endeavor beyond their wildest expectations – and they’re just getting started.
At the beginning, the team’s mission was very straightforward. They wanted Lexi Close, KLYR’s master distiller, to try as many versions as it took to fine-tune the perfect ratio of sugar, water, and yeast.
And now their next step is getting KLYR Rum into everyone’s hands for a taste.
The only problem with that, based on the crowd at this event, is no one just wanted one taste. They go back for a second, a third, and so. Again, it’s easy to drink.
KLYR Rum Story
KLYR Rum set out to disrupt the industry by redefining what rum can be. A revolutionary distillation process that will make the most avid vodka, gin and whiskey lovers say, ‘yes please’.
Holding on to the body of an aged rum, add the smoothness and easy drinking of a vodka. The result is a rum that is refreshingly different from shelf after shelf of countless other rums out there.
At twelve times distilled and filtered eighteen times, KLYR is an innovative, fresh take on rum that speaks to American ingenuity. KLYR Rum has zero grams of sugar, zero grams of carbohydrates, and it’s lower in calories than other, more sugary rums.
New York’s Cad & The Dandy‘s location was a perfect host for the evening
New York’s Cad & The Dandy
New York’s Cad & The Dandy‘s location was a perfect host for the evening as they cater to those who appreciate style while working with a budget.
They provide beautifully crafted bespoke suits at highly competitive prices. Offering the finest in construction, with a full floating canvass, intermediate toile fittings and detailed hand finishing, this is the custom suit that every man wants. Available at all their locations – Savile Row, the City of London, Stockholm and New York – their highly skilled tailors deliver the best in hand crafted bespoke tailoring.
CBMAS first-ever Best Tattoo category to help raise money for MJF Scholarships
All proceeds of “Show Us Your Favorite Tattoo” category go to The Michael James Jackson Foundation to help fund technical education, and career advancement for black, indigenous, and people of color in the brewing and distilling industries
The Craft Beer Marketing Awards (CBMAS) announced the extension of their “Show Us Your Favorite Tattoo” charity category until May 1, 2023. This category is open at TheCrushies.com to anyone age 21+ who wants to enter their favorite tattoo for a chance to win a Global Crushie Trophy for themselves, and their tattoo artist.
Craft Beer News: CBMAS first-ever Best Tattoo category
“We are helping literally change the face of American brewing,” said Garrett Oliver, Founder & Chair of MJF, and Brewmaster of The Brooklyn Brewery. “We sent more people of color to Siebel Institute of Technology than had attended the entire previous decade – the MJF is about genuine and lasting change.
“Over our long history, Siebel Institute is proud to play a positive role in the growth of brewing culture, and we feel privileged to be a part of the work of the Michael James Jackson Foundation towards making brewing education available to those who are traditionally under-represented in the brewing community,” said John Hannafan, Siebel Institute Vice President & Director of Education, located in Chicago, Illinois. “The contributions of the scholarship winners who have chosen Siebel/WBA education have truly enriched and enlivened the dynamics of our classrooms as well.”
The first 250 to enter their tattoo will automatically receive Post Malone’s WORLD PONG LEAGUE for free ($25 value) compliments of Spin Master Games.
“Post Malone’s WORLD PONG LEAGUE and CBMAS together makes a lot of sense, they go hand in hand!” Jason Gagnon EP/ Head of Creative Marketing for Spin Master Games
The winner and their tattoo artist will be awarded a complimentary, personalized Global Crushie Trophy and gift bag. All tattoos will be displayed in a special thank you Winner’s Gallery and be promoted with a media tour.
“Tattoos are empowering, they look awesome, and they just make life cooler!” said CBMAS Co-founder Jim McCune. “Tattoos and craft beer are synonymous. Here’s your chance to show off your ink to the world to support a great cause and help impact the life of these upcoming beer industry professionals.”
The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling (MJF) began its scholarship program in 2021 to help counteract barriers for people trying to join the bev-alc workforce. Over the past two years, the Sir Geoff Palmer Scholarship Award for Brewing and the Nearest Green Scholarship Award for Distilling has been awarded to 29 individuals. It most recently awarded eight scholarships to beer industry professionals in its latest round of grants aimed to help Black, Indigenous, and people of color advance in the brewing and distilling industries.
The latest scholarship recipients of the Sir Geoff Palmer Scholarship Award for Brewing include:
Deshawn Agbonze, head brewer at Mastry’s Brewing Co. in St. Pete Beach, Florida,
Sofia Betanzos from Other Half Brewing in Brooklyn, New York,
Tony Jaquez from Outsider Brewing Company in Asheville, North Carolina,
Jamaar Julal director of fermentation at Honeysuckle Provisions and co-founder of JamBrü Ferments, a Philadelphia-based hard kombucha company,
Kevin Limon lead brewer at Angry Horse Brewing in Montebello, California,
Isabella Perez shift lead at Hood River, Oregon-based pFriem Family Brewers, as well as a part-time production employee at Goldendale, Washington-based Dwinell Country Ales and an online teaching assistant at the UC Davis extension program for courses in beer quality,
Eric Pham head brewer and innovation brewer at Prison City Brewing in Auburn, New York.
Chantel Starks distiller for Corsair Distillery in Nashville, Tennessee was awarded a Nearest Green Scholarship Award for Distilling.
About the CBMAS
The Craft Beer Marketing Awards competition accepts beverage-related marketing and design entries from around the globe (beer, hard seltzer, cider, mead, and RTD cocktails). Breweries, agencies, artists, and marketing partners are all invited to enter their top work.
Founded in 2019, the CBMAs is the first awards program of its kind in the world to focus on excellence in creativity and innovation that breweries employ in their marketing to differentiate their brands in a highly–saturated marketplace.
NEW for 2023
Crushie Trophy Redesigned
The CBMAS Crushie Trophy was reinvented to also be a fully functional tap handle. This innovation was developed in the USA by CBMAS Sponsor Steel City Taps. Winners can now purchase their Crushie Trophies year-round in the CBMAS new Trophy Shop coming soon.
Manhattan’s La Grande Boucherie Executive Chef Maxime Kien explains the World’s Culinary Scene and ranks NYC.
Chef Maxime Kien is the new Executive Chef of NYC’s The Group, responsible for La Grande Boucherie, Boucherie Union Square, Boucherie West Village, Petite Boucherie and more.
And by the end of 2023, they’re launching even more restaurants throughout the United States.
Born and raised in the South of France and with 20+ years of fine dining experience in Europe and the United States, today’s conversation is about the world’s culinary scene and where New York City fits on the list among the best.
What do you think of New York City’s culinary scene? Where does it fit within the world’s best?
I’m new in town. I’ve been here for three months. I was fortunate [that] I’ve been in America since 1999, so I was able to come to New York a few times before and I like the vibe of it. I like the atmosphere, I like the speed of it. There’s always something happening. Everybody’s always hustling, people are always in a rush. I lived in London for five years, so it kind of reminds me of that time. I’m really enjoying my time here.
There are few cities around the world like the Big Apple, the mix of everything, the mix of culture.
When you walk down the street, around the corner, all the food, it smells awesome.
[In New York City, ] you have the opportunity to be able to see so many different cultures, so many different foods in just one small area. Then you get on the subway and you can be in Chinatown, you can be in Koreatown, you can go anywhere and taste everything. That’s what I’m enjoying so far.
New York City cuisine can be everything and anything. You can walk home and pass by a little Korean restaurant and the aroma is gonna take you in. Or you can pass by a food stand on the street and the guy’s just doing his job making it smell great and you’re like, ‘I need to try that for lunch.’
[You can find] a shop that makes a beautiful sandwich, [and think] I need to do that. They do ketchup fresh every day. And they slice the prosciutto and the pastrami and that, and you’re like, I need to go and try that.
France for a long time was the culinary center of the world. I’m sure that some of my French colleagues and French chefs might not agree with what I’m going to say, but it’s like, it’s a mix of everything.
Then Spain came up with a lot of tapas and a lot of influences. Asian food has always been there. Even if a lot of Asian chefs, especially in Japan, actually went to Europe to train with famous French chefs to learn techniques. They were introduced to those techniques and used that to develop the culinary scene in Japan, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong. Being able to use the French technique and mix it with some flavors from their own country.
But New York is easily in the top 10 culinary destinations in the world.
Tell us about the next steps of NYC’s The Group launching several restaurants throughout the United States
The company [The Group NYC] started about 11 years ago with the vision of Emil Stefkov, the owner. He opened the first restaurant and the company grew pretty quickly after that.
The company almost quadrupled its size within a few years. Then because of Covid, everything was touch and go. But now we have a few projects coming up. We have Miami, Washington DC and Chicago. We’re gonna add another eight restaurants to the portfolio. We’re gonna double the size of the company within a short amount of time.
Well, there’s a lot of moving parts between developing the kitchen and having a look at the plans — we need to do this, this is where the pantry needs to be here. You know, and they’re talking about many developments and research and the staffing. There’s so many components. It’s not only like ‘We’re gonna open the restaurant.’ There is so much work behind that. You’re looking at the location. You have to think back to seasonal and local [ingredients and menu].
It’s all different food scenes. Even if you have core items from the menu, because they’re your identity, you have to look at every single location as an almost separate entity and be able to say, ‘This dish might not work over there, but it’s gonna work right here.’ So develop all of that and being thoughtful about everything.
First Ever Bespoke Tasting of KLYR Rum in NYC on March 27.
KLYR Rum will exhibit their all new rum and other key ready to drink products on March 27 at New York’s Cad & The Dandy Penthouse showroom.
KLYR will engage with an intimate group of 25-30 fashion, food and beverage hospitality leaders, and lifestyle architects hailing from the tri-state area.
At the exclusive event, which unites bespoke style and hospitality industry decision makers, guests will enjoy seasonal cocktails and the opportunity to meet the founders of KLYR Rum, A Clean American Rum and also explore Savile Row’s Cad & The Dandy’s bespoke offerings of the season.
Key products that will be featured by KLYR Rum at the Cad & The Dandy Penthouse showroom include:
Their premier award winning silver KLYRRum
Ready to Drink products such as KLYR Krush
KLYR Water Cucumber-Mint
KLYR Punch
and more.
Award winning Silver KLYR Rum Featured at First Ever Bespoke Tasting of KLYR Rum
About Cad & The Dandy | Savile Row
At Cad & The Dandy, we provide beautifully crafted bespoke suits at premium prices. Offering the finest in construction, with a full floating canvas, intermediate toile fittings, and detailed hand finishing, this is the custom suit that every man wants. Available at all our locations – Savile Row, the City of London, Stockholm, and New York – our highly skilled tailors deliver the best in hand crafted bespoke tailoring.
About KLYR Rum
At twelve times distilled and filtered eighteen times, KLYR is an innovative, fresh take on rum that speaks to American ingenuity. KLYR Rum has zero grams of sugar and zero grams of carbohydrates, and it’s lower in calories than other, more sugary rums at less than 100 calories per 1.5 oz serving. With their own in-house reverse osmosis system for the purest water and dedication to detail, the KLYR team has created a rum that you can enjoy as is or in your favorite cocktail.
Whip the cold cream until thick, but not stiff; it should still be able to run off of a spoon. Set aside. Tip: The key to success for whipped cream is to keep it very cold, so put your whisk and a stainless steel bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes before.
Pour the warm water out of the coffee mugs. Fill ¾ full with coffee, add the brown sugar and stir well until dissolved. Add a few drops of coffee into the whipped cream and stir to combine.
Add the whiskey into coffee and stir to combine.
Hold a spoon upside down over the coffee, the tip touching the glass edge and the surface of coffee. Gently pour the cream over the back of the spoon, allowing it to gently pool on top of the coffee; filling to the top of the mug. Do not stir. You should obtain a lovely layering that looks like a pint of Guiness!
Using a stenciled shamrock, sprinkle cocoa powder over the cream to make a beautiful drawing.
Volcanica Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster
Volcanica Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster that imports 150+ exotic coffees from volcanic regions around the world. The mineral-rich soil from volcanic regions produces coffee that is aromatic and remarkable in taste. The company carries a broad line of estate, peaberry, decaf and flavored coffees.
Volcanica Coffee’s website offers subscription and individual purchases. For more information, visit www.VolcanicaCoffee.com
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience 2023 runs June 7 – 11 Uncorks Grand Plan and New Venue
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience announces that a limited number of exclusive ticket packages and all individual event tickets are now on sale for the five-day event set for June 7 – 11.
“This year, we have enhanced our three big events—
Vinola, Tournament of Rosés, and our Grand Tasting…
making them bigger and better than ever before and moving them to new venues,” said Aimee Brown, NOWFE Executive Director.
“In response to high demand, we have added special ticket packages for those attendees looking to spend a few days with us.
And, for the many locals that love to attend our events, we offer the individual ticket option to fit personal schedules and lifestyles.”
Vinola at the The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
Vinola, the highest-level tasting event NOWFE offers, kicks off at the historic Orpheum Theater on Thursday, June 8, at 6 pm.
Foodies and oenophiles of all experience levels will sample rare and highly valued wines expertly paired with delectable foods crafted by local chefs. Winemakers will present elite wines from around the world, and award-winning chefs will serve and talk about their food and what inspires them in its creation. Guests will have the chance to have one-on-one conversations with winemakers and chefs. Tickets are $215 each. VIP tickets are $280 and include 30-minute early entry and VIP lounge access.
Tournament of Rosés
Back for the fifth year, the Tournament of Rosés is moving to The Fillmore on Friday, June 9th, at 7:00 PM. Tickets to this special event are $129 per person.
The Tournament of Rosés offers guests a unique opportunity to taste premier rosés, both still and sparkling, from France, Spain, Italy, the United States, and the Southern Hemisphere, and then cast a vote for a favorite.
Best of Show, Gold, Silver, Bronze and the People’s Choice Award will be announced.
New this year, a specialty sparkling sector featuring bubbles beyond the Rosé realm and a spirited cocktail garden. Tasty bites will accompany each wine served. Guests are encouraged to come “dressed to impress” with a touch of pink. VIPs gain 30 minutes of early access to this event.
Grand Tasting at the The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
Also, new this year, NOWFE will host one Grand Tasting on Saturday, June 10, from 3 – 6 pm at Generations Hall. General Admission tickets are $149 before event week when they increase to $169. The Grand Tasting VIP a la carte price is $215 per person and includes early admission at 2:30 pm and access to a VIP lounge. The Grand Tasting at NOWFE showcases wines from around the world and food served by New Orleans’ finest chefs.
NOWFE once again closes its 5-day event with Burlesque, Bubbly & Brunch on Sunday, June 11, from 11 am – 1 pm at the Omni Royal Orleans. Tickets to this titillating event are $95 each.
Join Trixie Minx and her Burlesque Beauties for a one-of-a-kind NOWFE experience with a plated brunch prepared by the chefs at the Omni Royal Orleans, bottomless sparkling wine by Luc Belair, and a burlesque performance you are sure to remember.
In addition to the special events, NOWFE presents its Labs and Experiences on Friday and Saturday. Five Labs will occur each day at the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute at various times, while five boutique Experiences will occur over the two days throughout the city. Ticket prices vary for the Labs and Experiences.
The three levels of event ticket packages available this year are:
The Tasting Package — $258 per person
This package gives a “taste” of the main events this season. It includes entrance to:
· Tournament of Rosés
· The Grand Tasting
The Connoisseur Package — $793 per person
This package is for the wine and food enthusiast looking to be a part of the entire NOWFE experience. It includes 30 minutes of early entry and the following:
· Vinola
· Tournament of Rosés
· The Grand Tasting
· Choice of four (4) Labs
· 10% Discount on Additional Labs
· $20 Voucher to Use at NOWFE Merchandise Store
The VIP Package — $1000 per person
Upgrade to the VIP Package! This ticket allows you to experience the event at the highest level. It includes 30 minutes of early entry, access to VIP areas, and the following:
· Vinola
· Tournament of Rosés (early entry)
· The Grand Tasting (VIP)
· Choice of five (5) Labs (with priority seating)
· 10% Discount on Additional Labs
· $20 Voucher to Use at NOWFE Merchandise Store
For more information or to purchase additional tickets, visit nowfe.com.
Hundreds of new wines & spirits – 17th Annual Kosher Wine & Food Experience returns to Chelsea Piers
Kosher Food & Wine Experience (KFWE) returns to Cheslea Piers NYC for 17th Annual visit previewing 100s of new Kosher wines, spirits, top chefs, caterers, restaurants.
NJ based Royal Wine Corp, the largest producer and importer of premier kosher wines and spirits kicks off the 17th Annual Kosher Food & Wine Experience (KFWE) with a return to Chelsea Piers in NYC, Feb 6.
17th Annual Kosher Food & Wine Experience returns to Chelsea Piers in NYC, Feb 6.
The ‘not-to be missed’ event featuring a vast array of premier wines and spirits from around the globe – filling Pier 60 from end to end – will also highlight Royal Wine’s growing portfolio of Passover wines to consumers, industry professionals and oenophiles alike.
Taste 100s of new Wines & Spirits – 17th Annual Kosher Wine & Food Experience returns to Chelsea Piers
“KFWE has been a key influencer in determining which wines will grace America’s Passover Seder tables, showing wines ranging in price from $6 to $500,” says Gabriel Geller, PR Director, Royal Wine Corp.
“The show’s success underscores the fact that the kosher food and beverage industry is exploding at a warp speed and shows no sign of slowing down…”
“…The takeaway from every sold-out event to-date – there’s no culinary or wine-making envelope that can’t be pushed,” adds Geller.
Guests will enjoy six hours of nonstop wine and food tasting
Thousands of bottles of wine representing more than 60 wineries from the world’s best-regarded regions will be poured throughout the evening for all to taste and savor.
Novelties include: Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s Marlborough
region, part of the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage estates; Razi’el, the new winery of the Ben Zaken family and owners of Israel’s flagship boutique winery Domaine du Castel, will be present with its traditional method rosé sparkling wine and its award-winning blend of Syrah and Carignan.
While Royal Wine has had an impressive selection of prestigious wines from Bordeaux such as Château Giscours and Pontet-Canet, the kosher wine importer, négociant and distributor continues to add outstanding names to its repertoire. Château Bellefont-Belcier, a Grand Cru Classé from Saint-Emilion, is the latest producer to join the kosher wine bandwagon with a kosher cuvée 2020 vintage – an excellent vintage for the region. Château Léoville Poyferré, a Grand Cru Saint Julien which has been making kosher cuvées since 1999 will also be present at KFWE with its 2020 vintage, marking the 200th anniversary of ownership by the Cuvelier family.
There are many great appellations in France beyond Bordeaux, such as the Rhône Valley. One of Rhône’s most respected estates will be represented at the wine show with the introduction of its first two kosher wines: Raymond Usseglio Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Raymond Usseglio Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes.
From Tuscany, Villa Mangiacane will present Magnificus, a Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Herzog Wine Cellars, Royal Wine’s own winery located in Oxnard, CA, will showcase its line of award-winning wines, including the value line Baron Herzog as well as its high-end Napa Valley-grown Herzog Generation VIII. David Galzignato, Herzog’s new Senior Director of Winemaking Operations, will be on hand at KFWE 2023 to answer questions about the many wines he oversees.
KFWE Gourmet Food
In addition, a cornucopia of gourmet food representing a variety of cuisines including classical French, Japanese, steakhouse favorites, traditional Jewish cooking, nouveau American, charcuterie, fusion, Caribbean, authentic barbecue, and Mexican, as well as a variety of decadent desserts and specialty coffees will be served
KFWE VIP
VIP guests will enjoy exclusive amenities including an exclusive selection of curated wines and spirits as well as a mouthwatering menu catered by Reserve Cut.
This latest flavor is full of holiday fun and makes a delicious addition to your go-to lineup of refreshments.
Nicki Minaj’s Watermelon Moscato for the Holidays
This clean and crisp infusion offers a perfectly balanced blend of premium Moscato wine with natural juices from fresh, ripe watermelons. Bursting with flavor, this refreshing Moscato tastes like summer in a glass.
Nicki Minaj Watermelon Moscato wine is everything you want
MYX Watermelon Moscato wine is everything you want in a light-bodied, thirst-quenching summer beverage. It’s smooth, slightly effervescent, and easy to drink.
The signature fruit-forward notes of Moscato shine through, while the delightful watermelon flavor provides a crisp, clean finish.
MYX Watermelon Moscato is very versatile
MYX Watermelon Moscato is very versatile, with a sweetness and lower alcohol level that pairs well with most foods. Serve it with fish, chicken, seafood, duck, and vegetables. It’s also a wonderful companion for your favorite ice cream, cookies, and cakes. Keep it on ice at your outdoor barbecue or beach party for easy summer refreshment.
Find MYX Fusions Watermelon Moscato at wine retailers, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
Find MYX Fusions Watermelon Moscato at wine retailers, supermarkets, and convenience stores. It comes in 4-packs of 187ml single-serve bottles (MSRP $9.99 to $10.99) and 750ML bottles (distributed by Royal Wine Corp; MSRP of $8.99-$9.99).
5.5% alcohol by volume
Sold in 187ml 4-packs and 750ml bottles
Crafted from Gordo Australian Moscato Grapes
Gluten-free, OU Kosher certified
MYX Beverage LLC
Refreshing and bursting with big, bold flavors, MYX Fusions offers a full range of fruit-infused Moscato wines (Peach, Mango, Coconut, and Watermelon), Sangrias (Classic and Tropical), Concord Wine, and Light Wine (Rose and Chardonnay). All wines are created from top-quality imported wines from Australia, Spain, Italy, and Argentina. Get in the Myx and follow MYX everywhere at @MYXFusions.
Myx Fusions beverage company was started by Nicki Minaj.
